Pakistan pioneer of vernacular Mass celebrates anniversary

PAKISTAN: Father Joseph DeāMello, who helped implement the reforms of the Second Vatican Council in Pakistan celebrated his 50th year as a priest with 500 Catholics at St. Patrickās Cathedral in Karachi.

The priest was instrumental in introducing the Mass in Urdu. āHe introduced a new face of the Church (and) for this we are eternally thankful,ā said Father Emmanuel Asi, Executive Secretary Catholic Bible Commission Pakistan.

Father DeāMello, ordained in 1961, was hailed by many Church leaders as a āpioneer" of the local Church.